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Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
American Institute for Paralegal Studies, University of Notre Dame, 1990
Why did you decide to become a paralegal/legal support staffer?
I first heard the word ‘”paralegal” when I was in high school, in a newspaper article that listed it as the No.1 up-and-coming profession. What caught my attention was how it involved strong writing skills—something I’d always loved. That article planted the seed, and it turned out to be a perfect fit for over 35 years.
If you weren’t working in legal support, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t working as a paralegal, I’d probably be doing something like investigative journalism or historical research. I love digging into details, finding patterns, and building a story from facts.
What makes a good paralegal/legal support staffer?
A good paralegal is the glue that holds a legal team together. It comes down to three things: being organized, resourceful and proactive. The best paralegals aren’t just task-doers—they’re critical thinkers, calm under pressure, and trusted partners in getting the job done right.
What makes a good lawyer?
A good lawyer isn’t just someone who knows the law; it’s someone who knows how to use the law well—to shield, to challenge and to persuade. Above all, a good lawyer always carries a compass. Not just to navigate the law, but to stay true to the mission of pursuing justice.
What’s something people might not know about the legal support profession?
A lot of people outside the profession assume that paralegals do all the work and the attorneys take all the credit. I’ve never found that to be true. I’ve always felt appreciated and recognized by attorneys, law firms and clients I’ve worked with.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment in your career.
Remembering to pay attention to the small details can be a big lesson learned. One time, I was totally prepared for the case, but I hadn’t given much thought to the little things, such as bringing the charging cable for my laptop! It could’ve been a big disaster if my laptop suddenly died.
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
When I started my paralegal career in 1990, there were no computers and no email in the office. We typed every document individually on a typewriter. We didn’t even have a copy machine. If we needed extra copies, we used carbon paper.
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in legal support?
I always tell them that becoming a paralegal can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you enjoy problem-solving, staying organized and being the person others rely on to keep the ball rolling. It’s not always glamorous—it can be hectic and demanding—but it’s meaningful work.
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